This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Ky Tanella. Find them on Instagram at @ky.tanella. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
2025 may be a big graduation year for some Zillennials like myself! If you’re graduating this year (or have graduated, or are graduating soon) and you’re feeling the anxieties and pressures of adulthood looming over you, I totally understand. Graduation anxiety is completely normal, and can feel all-consuming. Fear not, there are ways to cope, and ways to start if you’re feeling stuck!
Firstly, Breathe
Remember to breathe! I know it’s scary right now, but it’ll all get easier eventually, especially when you realize that everybody is winging it! It doesn’t matter how old you are, this is everyone’s first time living, and we’re all just taking it day by day!
Try your best to change your perspective and negative self-talk (which isn’t easy to do, trust me, I know)! Change is scary, but this is a brand new chapter of your life, one that will bring new opportunities, new friendships/relationships, and new overall vibes! It’s as exciting as it is scary. Try to remember that there will be multiple adjustment periods in your life, and this is just one of them. You’re young, making mistakes is completely valid, and an essential part of youth! Just take this time to exist, and take it slow!
Coping mechanisms
It’s very easy for me to tell you to breathe (as a chronically anxious person myself, I know how it feels to be told to relax, but if that’s all you can manage to do, that’s amazing)!
It can be hard, but make sure you’re sticking to a routine. If you’re moving into your own apartment, moving in with new roommates, with a partner, or just moving back home, this can mean completely changing your routine. This can sound intimidating, and it might take you a bit to get yourself together, but falling back into a routine will definitely lessen your anxiety! Try building some better habits, like staying active and practicing mindfulness in the best way that works for you. Having a “brain dump” journal to list all your anxieties can help rationalize your thoughts and get the bad ones out of your head!
Make a list of hobbies
I’ve been guilty of falling down multiple depression holes in my life, especially in conjunction with big changes. Sometimes, I find that nothing brings me joy quite like it used to, and that’s because I’m growing older, and my interests are changing! I just need to find what works best for me!
Making a list of hobbies that you know you enjoy is a fantastic way to keep yourself sane! It’s easy to get lost in some doom-scrolling when you feel directionless or purposeless, so having a handy list of things you love doing can help break that cycle. If you’re graduating in a few months, try making that list now and attempt to begin breaking those habits – I know I’m trying my best to.
This is also a perfect opportunity to try new things! It can also be scary to break into new habits and hobbies, but it’s important to find what brings you the most joy, and what works best for you! There are also lots of hobbies that can feel productive!
The Scary Job Stuff
Talking about job applications makes me want to rip my hair out, but sadly, it’s a necessary evil. If you’re a creative, it’s an especially hard job market, and I just want you to know that I relate to and feel your pain. Attempting to find a job that will pay you enough to sustain yourself is currently like finding a needle in a haystack. It’s daunting!
I recommend sites like LinkedIn and Indeed for jobs, obviously, and they’re accommodating to creative (like writing and artistry), service, and all kinds of jobs! They’re user-friendly and easy to navigate, but try to resist burnout and take it slow!
Take this time to update your portfolio, website, resume, or LinkedIn! I’m sure you’ve got new credits, projects, jobs, or skills that haven’t been added to your documents, so make sure everything fits your personal aesthetic and skill set! If you don’t know where to start, Wix or Canva have some great templates for resumes, websites, and presentations!
Keep in Contact
Stay in contact with your friends! Long-distance friendships can be hard, but it’s absolutely worth it, especially if you’re moving to a completely different city, or moving back to your hometown. Make sure to FaceTime if you’re long-distance, or try to meet in a middle-ground place if you’re more medium distance. If you’re remaining close to your college friends, try not to get swept up in all the anxiety and make sure you’re still going out and having fun! It can get difficult to schedule time with friends as you get older, which can be discouraging, but this is a totally normal part of growing up! If they’re true friends, your bond will remain strong even if you don’t see each other too much!
Alternatively, let go of people that don’t serve you anymore. College is a time for growing, so if people are holding you down, cut them off! It can be difficult to set boundaries, but at the end of the day, you need to do what’s best for yourself.
If you’re moving to a new place, you will make new friends, I promise! This can be an extremely daunting part of adulthood, but if you have hobbies that involve community, or have a job that you love, it can be an easy excuse to hang out with and meet new people.
I know it’s scary! And this might not’ve helped, and might’ve overwhelmed you, and that’s totally okay! Take what resonates/might be helpful, and leave what doesn’t. Either way, your 20s and 30s are for learning, growing, and making mistakes, so take it in stride – and don’t forget to breathe!
Are you currently experiencing graduation anxiety? Were any of these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments down below. And I wish you the best of luck in the rest of your journey!
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